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/ Urban Renewal / White City Urban Renewal - Background / Fiscal Policies
The Agency continues to work with other public and private groups to achieve many of its goals and objectives. A partnership between the Agency and the Jackson County Planning and Development Department to develop a comprehensive plan for White City continues. In January 1999, the State Department of Land Conservation and Development acknowledged Phase I of the White City Unincorporated Community Plan which created a boundary and approved public facilities agreements with Bear Creek Valley Sanitary Authority and Medford Water Commission. Phase II of the plan which includes neighborhood planning and zoning is underway, with the recruitment of a transportation planning firm and wetlands consultant.
A joint venture between the Agency, Freel and Associates, and Malot Construction resulted in the development of the first stick-built subdivision in 15 years. Once completed, this subdivision will yield up to $6 million in additional property tax assessment. Furthermore, it is the desire of the Agency, planning department, and White City citizens that this new subdivision will set the example for new development in White City. Further discussions with Freel and Associates and other developers leave the agency hopeful that new, residential developments will meet a higher standard than they have in the past.
In addition, the Agency continues to work with Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc., (SO-REDI) and the Oregon Department of Economic Development (OEDD) to attract and retain businesses in the White City Area. In the 1998-99 fiscal year, the Agency worked with OEDD to promote development and expansion in the White City Industrial area. Proposed expansions at Praegitzer and others are projected to bring more investment into the area. The Agency has proposed road improvements in the industrial area which would relieve some of the traffic problems around Antelope, Kirtland, Table Rock, and Avenue G.
Project priorities continue to be set by the Agency board, based on the recommendations of an advisory committee. Since 1991, the Agency has completed the following projects:
Completed Projects
Completed $2.1 million in infrastructure improvements on Division Road and Ajax Street in White City
Acquired 40 acres of park and public land on Division Road and C Street
Worked with the White City Community Improvement Association to complete design and construction of Burns Park.
Completed 70 homes with Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Worked successfully with Balteau Standard, Imation, CertainTeed, and BOC Gases to maintain and expand facilities within White City.
Completed $2.4 million construction of Falcon, C, and Wilson Way.
Completed installation of nine streetlights on Highway 62 between Antelope Road and Highway 140 and two flashing signals along Antelope Road at Hale and Gladstone.
Completed comprehensive storm water drainage plan for commercial and residential areas of White City.
Complete construction of Youth Center on Avenue G.
Complete construction of 24th - 30th streets and complete water loop between Avenue C, Atlantic Avenue and Antelope Road.
Complete construction of 24th - 30th Streets North and complete water loop between Avenue G, Falcon and Atlantic Avenue.
Activities for the 1998-1999 Fiscal Year
The Agency continues to direct fiscal policy toward the implementation of the Urban Renewal Plan for White City. Activities for the 1998-99 fiscal year are as follows:
Complete construction of the social service facility and complete design of the library.
Continue working with economic development agencies to attract and retain business and industry in White City
Begin Phase II of comprehensive planning for the White City Urban Renewal District including neighborhood planning and zoning
Begin construction of Phase I of the comprehensive storm water drainage plan for commercial and residential areas of White City.
Complete engineering and design of water systems for Avenue A and cross streets.
Complete engineering on water systems for Avenue H and E.
Despite many unanticipated changes, the Agency continues to meet its goals and objectives, thanks to the dedication of the Urban Renewal Advisory Committee and the citizens of White City.
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